Five men jailed for ATM raids

The men were responsible for ATM attacks at 28 premises (banks, post offices and supermarkets) across the country. These attacks resulted in losses to the businesses targeted by the thieves, of approximately £1.5m and damage to the properties estimated to be in excess of £200,000.

FIVE men were sentenced last week to a total of 82 years after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court trial for a series of thefts/attempted thefts from cash machines across England, including six in the Loughborough area during the first half of 2013.

All five men were charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion under s.3 (1) (a) Explosive Substances Act 1883,and Conspiracy to commit burglary other than a dwelling, Contrary to Sec 1(1) Criminal Law Act 1977.

There were three incidents at Barclays bank in Loughborough, two at Budgens store in Mountsorrel and another at Santander in Birstall.

The men were responsible for ATM attacks at 28 premises (banks, post offices and supermarkets) across the country.

These attacks resulted in losses to the businesses targeted by the thieves of approximately £1.5m and damage to the properties estimated to be in excess of £200,000.

Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney, from the Matrix Serious Organised Crime Team (MSOC), said: “This is a culmination of year long investigation into crimes involving thefts from cash point machines across the North West and Central England.”

“Officers from the specialist Matrix Serious Organised Crime Team have worked tirelessly, using all the resources available to us to identify those responsible and take positive action.”

DCI Rooney, added: “These five men thought they were untouchable and they used hazardous tactics in targeting ATM’s, clearly endangering members of the public. The techniques used by the men involved in these attacks were extremely dangerous and we are fortunate that no-one was hurt.

“Offenders often believe that by committing crimes in different force areas they can escape detection and arrest, but police forces across the country do work together, regardless of boundaries.

“This case is an example of painstakingly piecing together huge amounts of complex evidence, to bring people to justice..”

“These men were driven by greed and a need to fund lavish lifestyles, expensive cars, holidays and large houses.”

• Thomas Whittingham, 28 years, of Broughton Hall Road, West Derby, was found guilty of both offences and sentenced to 18 years

• Anthony Bushell. 29 years. of Childers Street, Old Swan was found guilty of both offences and sentenced to 17 years.

• Craig Cartwright, 39 years, of Vinecote Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to both offences and has been sentenced to 17 years.

• Kurt Beddoes, 31 years of Hanford Avenue, Orrell Park, pleaded guilty to both offences and has been sentenced to 17 years.

• Ian Ellis, 30 years, of Warrington Road, Rainhill, pleaded guilty to both offences and has been sentenced to 13 years.